“I think you are a bit of a fall risk for me.” I could practically feel the smile through the phone. “You’re a fall risk for me too.”
Miss Abby, this w
“I think you are a bit of a fall risk for me.” I could practically feel the smile through the phone. “You’re a fall risk for me too.”
Miss Abby, this was spectacular, and I need at least 14 of them. Please and thank you.
This is one of the sweetest and most wholesome novellas I have read in a while, and it had the potential to be a full-length novel because it’s that good. Charlotte and Seth were so perfect and adorable together. The chemistry was instant, but the connection was undeniable. Gabe and Izzy were just as cute and chaotic. Their opposite dynamics added so much fun to the story....more
“Your nights are safe. You are safe now, Kiara. Even in the dark there’s nothing you have to fear, no one, because I am there and they will hav
4 stars
“Your nights are safe. You are safe now, Kiara. Even in the dark there’s nothing you have to fear, no one, because I am there and they will have to go through me. And no one ever has won against me. I am the most dangerous thing in the dark, but you don’t have to fear me.”
This is one of the sweetest and most heartwarming mafia romances I have ever read. I was addicted to the story from the very first chapter. There’s just something about arranged marriage mafia romances, and I’ve devoured almost every one. Twisted Emotions focused more on the development of the romance between Kiara and Nino than on the mafia plot or the rivalries between different families. I loved the couple, the tension, and their sweet yet achingly tender love story. Cora’s writing felt much stronger in this one, or maybe it’s just because I loved the characters, either way, it was a pleasant surprise.
Nino Falcone is cold-hearted, emotionless, and dangerous, but he’s also a genius with a soft heart. He can simulate emotions as easily as he can kill, always remaining in complete control of every situation. There’s a quiet self-assurance and confidence about him that makes him both alluring and deadly. But Nino with Kiara? He’s a total gentleman, with the softest and kindest soul. I love him, and the way he cared for Kiara so deeply, giving her time and space to heal on her own while also helping her through her physical and emotional trauma. He is the man, and I love him.
“I want to take care of you, and even if I can’t feel emotions, seeing them on your face, particularly happiness and joy, give me a certain level of satisfaction.”
Kiara Falcone married the cold-hearted monster of the Camorra to bring peace between two mafia families. She had been through the worst in her childhood, believing herself to be tainted and unworthy of love, until Nino. She was so terrified of men, and seeing her like that hurt me. I loved watching her slowly find her confidence and learn to trust some of them. I appreciated that she took her time to move things forward with Nino on a physical level, allowing herself to explore new things even when they felt scary and unfamiliar. She may be a damsel in distress, but her soft and emotional nature will always make me love her.
“Despite who he was, Nino would always represent safety for me.”
Nino and Kiara are the softest mafia couple to ever exist. I love everything about them, the way they love each other is so precious, beautiful, patient, and endearing. Their relationship developed at a slow, natural pace, built on trust both physically and emotionally. The intimacy and tenderness in their love made it all the more beautiful to read. I loved how patient and observant they were with each other, how Nino willingly gave up control so Kiara could feel safe and comfortable during their intimate moments as she explored her boundaries. Kiara was just as good for Nino as he was for her. She was open about her choices and struggles, and I loved how her love helped him confront his own past, unlocking emotions he had long buried and allowing him to heal.
“You dragged that dead part of me out of the past and revived it. I didn’t die fifteen years ago, but I didn’t live either … until you.” She held even tighter on to me. “I love you, Nino. A part of me died six years ago, but you helped me live again.”
Remo and Nino are fiercely protective of Kiara. Even though Remo didn’t tolerate her flinching or distrust in him, he still cares for her like the sister he never had. He’s just good at ignoring the things that matter most.
I love the Falcone family. Nino and Remo are my favourites, and Adamo is so precious. But I absolutely hated Savio because he doesn’t have a single brain cell when it comes to respecting women. Their family moments are always so chaotic and hilarious. I love how they taunt, argue, and love each other. There’s a constant back-and-forth of banter between them, but at the end of the day, they protect and care for each other deeply....more
“Everyone thinks Heath Rocha was my first love. He wasn’t. My first love was figure skating.”
There is only one word to describe thi5 perfection stars!
“Everyone thinks Heath Rocha was my first love. He wasn’t. My first love was figure skating.”
There is only one word to describe this book—‘masterpiece’. It completely consumed me in every possible way. I have always loved reading messy and toxic stories; they’re my kryptonite, and this kind of story always hits right in the heart, body, and soul. The Favorites was no exception. I loved the story—it’s unique, captivating, and so unputdownable that you feel like you exist in Katarina and Heath’s world. It’s theirs, and everyone else is merely living for the show they’re putting on to win.
The Favorites is an addictive, profound, and complicated yet impactful and beautiful story about two people—the infamous favourites of the skating world, Katarina and Heath. I am obsessed with their story, their lives, their competitive nature, and the way they dance so soulfully and skilfully. Layne Fargo’s writing is riveting, and the exquisitely detailed narrative pulls you right into the story, into the world she created. It feels like being part of the audience, a part of their ice-skating world.
Katarina Shaw is an ambitious, confident, and competitive ice skater whose only dream was to be just like Sheila Lin, the queen of ice dancing, and win gold. Her character is so intense and raw that it could make you hate her at times, but I never did. Not even when she did everything in her power to win competitions, even pushing and hurting the people she loved. She embraces her spiteful demeanour, even when it gets her into trouble, but she is the queen of her own world. Her character is multilayered, filled with complexities that make her difficult to love, yet her determination and passion for ice dancing make it impossible not to. She gave everything to the sport, practically worshipped Sheila Lin, and kept coming back stronger and smarter every time the sport, and the people within it, tried to break her. That resilience makes her even more compelling. She may be an ambitious bitch, but you can’t deny the legacy she left behind for all the women in her world.
“He wanted to be everything to me, the way I was everything to him. And I would always want more.”
Heath Rocha is the most complicated and mysterious character in this book. I loved him, but there were times he made it difficult to do so because of the petty things he did to hurt Katarina. His entire life revolved around her and her dream of winning gold, he was so pathetically in love with her that he followed her dream just to be with her, until he became the best ice skater, the one Katarina could never have. I admire the way he loved Katarina, however messy and toxic it was, his love for her was all-encompassing and consuming. I loved his growth over the years they skated together, how he eventually found his own place in the sport and fought for it. He helped Katarina in many ways but also tore her down with his hurtful antics, which frustrated me. But despite that, I understood his choices and decisions. I may not have liked them, but I understood them.
“He looked at me like he’d been wandering in the dark for years, and I was the sunrise.”
Heath and Katarina are everything to each other—ice dancing partners, childhood sweethearts, star-crossed lovers, rivals, haters, and soulmates. Their story is epic and unforgettable in a way that completely consumes you. The way they perform on the ice is mesmerising, and the way they love each other is toxic and messy, yet all-encompassing. It’s everything. I am utterly enamoured with their love. The yearning, the hatred, the love, and the rage they feel toward each other are poured into their dance performances, making them even more beautiful and addictive. You can hate them or love them, but you cannot ignore their talent on the ice, or their love story.
“There are lots of different kinds of love.” Love like a steady, warming campfire that keeps you alive in the cold. Love like a raging blaze that burns down everything in its path until nothing but ash remains.
Their chemistry, both on and off the ice, was everything. They truly bring out the best and worst in each other. Since childhood, Katarina and Heath have been inseparable, bonded by sadness, loneliness, and their shared love for skating. They’ve been through hell together, put each other through hell, yet they always found their way back to each other. The push and pull was maddening, but so damn good. Heath and Katarina are the very definition of right person, wrong timing, and it took them years to finally get it right, the last time.
“You’re my home, Heath had said to me once. Despite all the years we’d spent apart, all the time we’d wasted, he was my home too. He always had been.”
Bella was such an interesting character to read about. I struggled to love her at first, but once I did, I never looked back. She’s similar to Katarina, but more intense in a mean and competitive way. I loved her and Katarina’s friendship, however unhealthy it was at the start, because it was real for them. Garrett is the best, the most precious character, who deserved only good things from the very start. I loved him, even though I had my suspicions early on, but he turned out to be such an incredible, exceptional human being. Sheila Lin was a calculating, conniving, and ruthless bitch, but one you hate but also admire.
The world competitions, the Olympics, the drama, the romance—everything was so intense. Yet, the new and old friendships between the characters added a layer of warmth and comfort, even as the rivalries continued. The interviews added a layer of mystery that kept me hooked, and the drama only made the story more intense and addictive. I loved the side characters and how everyone had their own stories unfolding, each pushing the other to their absolute limits. Layne beautifully and intricately captured the challenges and complexities of ice dancing, along with the spellbinding beauty of the performances.
The ending was perfect. It was true to Katarina and Heath’s story of winning and losing. Layne must have put some kind of drug into this book because I’m now addicted to watching ice skating!
——————— did i finish the book or did it finish me?
this book is now haunting my dreams so i guess it's time to give it a try ...more
“You know, I used to have this theory that if I wanted something badly enough, the universe would make sure to keep it just out of my reach.
4.75 stars
“You know, I used to have this theory that if I wanted something badly enough, the universe would make sure to keep it just out of my reach. Like a cruel joke, or a trick. But . . . maybe the cruelest trick the universe can play on us is to give us exactly what we wish for.”
I wish I could travel back ten years and gift my younger self all the books written by Ann Liang because she just gets me. The story feels so raw and real, focusing on the struggles students face with failure, success, and the pressure to be the best.
Liang was brutally honest about everything in this book, and I felt stripped to the bone while reading this story. It’s as if she can see into my soul and then puts it into her books. I feel vulnerable and exposed reading her work, but in a healing way. I hold a special place for Liang’s stories in my heart because, even though I’m no longer that teenage girl striving for the best academic results, her writing heals parts of me that never felt validated or comforted. She’s an incredible and exceptional writer.
“That’s the problem. I’m not sad because I don’t love life enough, but because I love life too much. I always want more of it.”
Jenna Chen, is the second-best student, always struggling to be the best, putting in multiple efforts to achieve success and perfection. Jessica Chen, on the other hand, the stunning girl with a golden future ahead of her, has paved the way for her success through her extraordinary intelligence. From the outside, her life appears effortless and luxurious, filled with success that seems to come easily. Both characters resonated with me deeply, and I loved how real and vulnerable they felt to read about. Jessica’s achievements and superiority were often seen as the definition of an exemplary scholar. Jenna has spent years living in her cousin Jessica’s shadow, always striving and yearning to be just like her, but never quite meeting the high standard Jessica set.
Jenna always wished to be like Jessica, and that one wish upon a falling star led her into a life she thought she wanted, only to discover the challenges and sacrifices that came with it. She navigated her personal struggles, confronting her insecurities and sense of disillusionment, especially through the lens of Jessica’s version of the perfect student life. However, Jessica’s life, from the outside, was merely a myth, a dream that didn’t hold up in reality. Watching Jenna finally accept her own life, with all its flaws and imperfections, was a deeply emotional yet insightful journey.
“I miss it all. I miss my life, because even when I felt like I had nothing, I had everything. I just didn’t know it at the time. You never do, until it’s in hindsight.”
Aaron Cai, the male protagonist, was such a kind, supportive, and sweet character. I adored how he was always there for Jenna, especially when things got complicated with her soul in Jessica’s body.
“You came over and stood next to me. And suddenly—suddenly I didn’t feel alone. I realized I would never have to be alone again, if you were there.”
The romance between Aaron and Jenna was subtle yet perfect, with just the right touch of young love and longing for a second chance. Their connection was sweet and heartfelt, and I loved their friendship, how they cared for each other in the smallest, most meaningful ways.
“When he was around, the world seemed safe, the kind of place that was worth everything, all the little disappointments and injustices and chips at my pride. The kind of place that could be beautiful if we really tried.”
The stories of Jenna and Jessica depicted the beautiful, profound and transformative journey of self-awareness and self-acceptance. I also loved reading about Jessica’s struggles, not only from Jenna’s perspective but also from her own, seeing how she was tired of the relentless pursuit of success and optimism and longed to simply be a normal person for once, outside the expectations placed on her.
The comparison between life and academics highlighted an important truth: everyone has something they wish to change about their life, but it’s not until we step into the shoes of those we admire or envy that we realize the challenges they face. Nothing and no one is truly perfect. We often get lost in the pursuit of perfection and success, believing these are the only things that define our worth in the real world. In reality, this is just a perfectly constructed mirage—a dream designed to make people feel miserable and discontented.
This is easily my favourite book by Ann Liang. It’s more than just a story; it’s a reflection of what so many people go through. It reminds us that the pinnacle of achievements isn’t everything and that failure or being underachieving doesn’t define our true worth. It’s a book I wish I’d had during my own school years. It’s healing, thoughtful, and something I believe everyone should read.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
————————
I LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT! rtc near release date.
it's giving "this is me trying" vibes and i am here for it ...more
“There is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”
This is one of the cutest, cos4.5 stars
“There is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”
This is one of the cutest, cosiest, and sweetest holiday novellas I have ever read. It’s my favourite of the year, and no one can beat Doctor Darling because he is one of a kind. Lauren Asher’s books are a hit or miss for me, but she has managed to write another green-flag MMC. Honestly, this novella was holiday perfection. It was the perfect blend of laughter, swoons, and sexy, romantic moments, with the cosy and magical vibes of the winter holidays. I just loved every second of it.
December Darling, the charming Luke Darling, has claimed his place inside my heart as one of the sweetest and gentlest fictional men. The man is so charming and funny that I would do absolutely anything to have him in real life. I’m talking about fighting battles. It’s insane how incredible he is, how much he cares, and how much he drives the girl he loves insane just to make her crave him, need him. Catalina is one lucky woman.
“I would never dare, Doctor Darling.” He beams. “Say that again.” I roll my eyes. “And feed your power trip? No thanks.” The sparkle in his eyes rivals the stars above us. “Please. At this rate, I will be begging for scraps of your attention.”
Catalina was portrayed as an ice queen, the not-so-gentle sister. She was always wary of love and relationships, but I loved how Luke melted all her defences against her “no relationship” policy and helped her realise that she is worthy of someone amazing. Her openness to Luke about her life and beliefs was surprisingly refreshing, and I loved how Luke replaced all her worrisome thoughts about her no-relationship policy with “what if” scenarios about where this thing between them could go.
“Catalina isn’t the type for loud belly laughs that leave someone’s stomach aching, but I’ve never heard a better sound than the one she makes because of me.”
Luke and Catalina were perfection. The romance was perfect. Luke and Catalina had all the chemistry and sparks, and I loved how they developed a genuine, comfortable friendship and an emotional connection before taking things to another level. Luke made so many efforts for Catalina and to make her fall in love with him. It was everything.
Catalina draws invisible circles around my heart with the pad of her finger. “Your heart is beating fast.” “Because you make me nervous.” “Nervous?” She cracks a smile. “Me?” “Yeah. You.” “Why?” she asks with a smile in her voice. “Because you’re you.”
I need at least a hundred novellas like these, please and thank you. Lauren should do more non-billionaire tropes because this was definitely a hit for me!...more
“I think it’s the price we have to pay for loving so deeply. And I’ll pay it every day for the rest of my life. If you’ll be in it with me.”
I’ve read
“I think it’s the price we have to pay for loving so deeply. And I’ll pay it every day for the rest of my life. If you’ll be in it with me.”
I’ve read many books by Catherine Cowles, and all of them follow the same romantic suspense storytelling. But this is one of my favourite stories by her. The story is beautiful, heartfelt and emotional, and the romance is done so well. The suspense plot was also strong, though it followed her usual pattern, with the woman getting kidnapped and saved by her knight in shining armour in the end. It had the same tone as her previous books that I’ve read, but this one just hit me in the heart. I really loved it, mostly because of the characters, the found family aspect, and how they fell for each other, grew together, and loved each other. That part was so beautifully done.
Anna, the female protagonist of this book, was a sweet but tortured soul. She had been physically abused and had endured countless betrayals in her life. Now, she’s trying to start over in Sutter Lake, hoping to build a new life for herself. But life had different plans for her. After her sister’s death, Anna was left to take custody of her sister’s children, but due to her past records, she struggled to gain full custody. While she began to build a new life in Sutter Lake, she still kept people at a distance, despite having made friends who treated her like family. Anna had deep-seated trust issues, but when Mason entered her life as her supposed fake husband, to help her secure custody. It was beautiful to see how he made her feel safe.
“I was his, and he was mine. And I wasn’t letting go.”
Mason was an amazing character, definitely one of my favourite heroes by Catherine, but he can never dethrone Cane. He was really good; he’s charming, a bit grumpy, but he has a way with words. He knows how to reassure and comfort Anna, not just with words but through his actions as well. It was really sweet to see him fall for her first. Like many of Catherine Cowles’ main protagonists, Mason comes from a traumatic past. He’s one of those ‘I-cannot-be-fixed’ guys, but what I really loved about him is how he overcame his trauma. He’s trying to live the best version of his life and, despite everything they’re going through, he’s also doing his best to give Anna the life she deserves. Even after all the tragic things he endured, he still tries to see the beauty in life.
“I pulled her into my arms. She might break for a moment, but I refused to let her fall.”
Mason and Anna were great together as a couple. Even though their marriage was fake, nothing about how they treated each other felt fake. Their connection was rooted in a sweet, easygoing friendship. I loved how they communicated, there were some issues, but it felt real because both Anna and Mason had walls built around their hearts to protect themselves. Yet, they agreed to be honest with each other, not just for their growing relationship but also for the sake of their niece and nephew.
“I don’t know how to ask you for a shot when you’ve been through so much, But that doesn’t change that I want this. So, I guess I just have to ask. Take that first step, Just one, We can go as slow as you want, and I’ll meet you wherever you’re at. Just one step.”
It was beautiful to see how they all built a family together. Each character came from a traumatic past, but as a family, the four of them were unstoppable and so precious. I loved Lyla and Justin and how they enriched the story with their unique dynamics and personalities. They seemed so mature but also fragile at times. It was endearing to watch Mason and Anna care for them as their own kids, and treating them not just as adults when they spoke the truth, but also remembering that they were still two kids who had lost their mother and had a whole life ahead of them. They truly created a beautiful found family.
“I think I loved you from the moment I saw you. Something in me recognized a person who could make my life so much more. You amaze me every single day. Your strength and your empathy. Your beauty and kindness. I love you more than I thought possible.”
I loved the epilogue and seeing all the other couples from previous books. They truly form such a wholesome and safe big family, and I loved every moment of it. As always, it’s hard to say goodbye to a series when you’ve had such an amazing time with the characters, reading about their journeys. But I’m glad I got to know these characters, and it was a delight to read their love stories....more
“My mom asked me if you treat me well, Miles. You know what I said to her?” “What’s that,” he says in a low, husky voice. “I said that you walk
♾ stars
“My mom asked me if you treat me well, Miles. You know what I said to her?” “What’s that,” he says in a low, husky voice. “I said that you walked into hell and dragged me back out.”
There are some books that you devour in just one sitting, but then there is Promise Me Sunshine. Books like this are written to be savoured, to be read word by word, sentence by sentence, because every single word packs a punch to the heart. It’s relatable, poignant, profound, emotional, exceptionally beautiful, and above all, life-changing. I have read my fair share of books on grief, but this one is a masterpiece.
“You need someone who can wade in and pull you out of the swamp if you need me to. And I can be that person.”
Promise Me Sunshine is a beautiful story that focuses on grief and healing. Cara Bastone crafted this book beautifully, delivering an engaging and heartfelt story with exceptional skill. Her narrative has a quiet tenderness, an affectionate tone that balances the brutal and heartbreaking reality of this story. She did a phenomenal job writing Lenny and Miles, both protagonists have emotional depth and vulnerability that add heartfelt authenticity to their story. The story is filled with grief-stricken moments and sadness, but Lenny’s quiet healing journey with Miles’ help, their beautiful friends-to-lovers story, the found family arc, and the promise of a better future add a delicate happiness and a gentle quality to the narrative.
Lenny, my beautiful, precious, and beloved girl. After losing her best friend, her soulmate, Lou, Lenny is just going through the motions of life—existing without Lou, feeling guilty for being alive. She has isolated herself from her family, from everything that reminds her of Lou. Lenny has a Start Living Again list that gives her a semblance of hope, so when Miles offers her a lifeline as her grief coach and list partner, she grabs it eagerly. Lenny is a charming and free-spirited woman with a personality that sparkles and radiates sunshine through the pages. Even in her saddest moments, she manages to find glimpses of happiness without even trying. The way she sees the world is just so beautiful. Lenny is so thoughtful, empathetic, and kind. And she’s so funny that I love her humour as much as I love her. She never hides her grief from the real world. She lets herself be vulnerable and emotionally unguarded. Her grief and heartbreak felt like my own. Lenny’s healing and development evolve throughout the story. It’s slow and steady, sometimes unsuccessful, but mostly filled with effort and courage.
“I gasp for air. He’s winded me. The water rushes in. Is it silly that I didn’t realize I was drowning until he told me he won’t let it happen?”
Miles is such a perfect man. He is a grump, but one I instantly fell in love with—because how could I not when he is this thoughtful, loyal, honest, selfless, kind, and wonderful? He is like an anchor in turbulent waters—strong and steady enough to take on everything and work through it. Miles hides a multilayered persona behind his unapproachable exterior. He’s also dealing with his grief, but he knows how to help someone like Lenny, and he wants to because he understands the pain of going through it all. Miles is also navigating a complicated relationship with his sister and his niece. He seeks Lenny’s help to understand everything about kids and to strengthen his sibling bond with Reese. He is so patient, attentive, and incredibly insightful. The way he sees the world, his perception of things—it always makes me admire him more. I love how he helped Lenny, how tenacious he was but also patient and tender with her, letting her work through things on her own while always guiding her in a better direction. The way he would do anything to make people around him happy and safe is so precious. Everyone needs a Miles in their life.
“But with you, Len, when I met you… I sort of feel like I met myself.”
Lenny and Miles have the most beautiful love. It’s soul-stirring, unyielding, compassionate, and devoted. Their relationship gracefully transitions from the allure of strangers to the warmth of friendship, eventually blossoming into a profound love. It’s simple and pure, but it’s the selflessness, unwavering commitment, and enduring hardships together that make it even more beautiful. They formed a strong companionship through helping each other, and it was beautiful to see how they nurtured it with trust, care, and effort. Their love story is an aching slow burn of knowing each other and delicate feelings that feel too much like love.
“So you’ll come with me if I ask?” His eyes pierce me in the shadows of the kitchen. “Lenny, I’ll do anything you ask me to.”
They are different, their experiences with grief and life are different, but I have never seen two people who belong to each other the way they do. I love the way they understand each other, how they let their vulnerability flow through them when they are together, how they trust each other enough to ask for help and lean on one another, how they help each other and just exist for each other when they need it. They fit so effortlessly into each other’s lives, both as friends and lovers.
I take Miles by the hoodie strings again , bringing his attention back to me and only me. “Every time I fall in love with you there’s lightning.” He closes his eyes, opens them and there’s his brilliant love. “There’s only you, Lenny. Every time … it’s just you,” he says, muffled as he kisses me. “And you.” He kisses me again. “And you.”
Lou and Lenny had such a beautiful friendship, and it was nice to know Lou through Lenny—through her love and memories of her. Cara did an amazing job by not romanticising grief, Lenny’s depression, or her challenges. She portrayed the different facets of grief, the reality of it—the all-consuming, obliterating, and devastating nature of loss. This book leans more towards women’s fiction than romance, but the romance is still an important part of Lenny and Miles’ story. It adds a comforting element and warmth to their grief-stricken journey.
“You are not betraying her by healing,” he whispers directly into my ear. “You are honoring her. You are learning to love her exactly as she is. As someone who isn’t here anymore… That’s who she is now. And this journey through grief… It’s what we do for the great loves of our lives.”
Promise Me Sunshine is already my top favourite book of 2025, and Miles is in my top book boyfriends list, because how can he not be? This is a masterpiece—one I will possibly reread multiple times in the future, because I just love love love love Miles and Lenny.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Hey Hannah…?” “Yes, Cameron?” “Can I tell you something?”
This is one of the sweetest, cosiest, and spiciest holiday romance novellas I have ever read
“Hey Hannah…?” “Yes, Cameron?” “Can I tell you something?”
This is one of the sweetest, cosiest, and spiciest holiday romance novellas I have ever read. It’s holiday perfection with everything you could want, filled with all the Christmas vibes and aesthetics, and I just loved it all. From romance to spicy scenes to Christmas time, everything was so good.
Cameron was amazing. He’s so thoughtful and kind but also a bit crazy in a golden retriever way. He fell first and harder for Hannah, and I loved seeing him being such a dork for her. His skills and dirty mouth were so hot, and he’s so swoony and charming. Hannah was so sweet and caring, with a gentle heart. I loved how she ignored Cameron only to drive him crazy about her.
“Happy that nobody else is touching you. Mad because your body is gorgeous. It deserves to be touched and worshipped and adored.”
Cameron and Hannah make such a cute couple, and I absolutely enjoyed their friendship, their love story, and how they blended so naturally into each other’s lives. The way they teased each other at first and how they fell in love with each other was such a precious thing to read about. Their chemistry was palpable and so good, even though they spent only a fortnight together. But it was the instant connection and easy friendship that made me love them.
“Can I tell you something?” “Mhmm?” “I love you,” she smiles, eyes floating closed as she nuzzles into her pillow. “Can I tell you something?” I press a kiss to her cheek, resting my forehead against her temple as she drifts off. “I love you more.”
This has the audio erotica narrator and his biggest fan trope, and I never thought I would love it, but it really surprised me. I read this in audiobook format, and I think that’s the best way to enjoy this book because the narrator did an astounding job bringing the characters to life, especially Cameron’s narrator. His accent and voice were so sexy. I think I need to find a Mac n’ Cheese too, because who wouldn’t want a sexy voice whispering dirty little things in their ear? Better if they’re real, like Cameron....more
Ali, I need at least ten of these novellas to cure my romance-starved heart. This novella is the reason why I
“I’m not over you. And I never will be.”
Ali, I need at least ten of these novellas to cure my romance-starved heart. This novella is the reason why I can always count on Ali Hazelwood to serve the best rom-coms. Definitely my favorite of this series, and Jamie and Marc were absolutely perfect and wholesome together. Ali knows how to write the good ol' “I thought you hated me trope”, and she slayed again.
Marc is a man on a mission to earn Jamie and her love. This man knows how to work for it, and he earned Jamie by making sure he was worthy of her. Also, the sister’s best-friend trope is always better than the brother’s best-friend trope, but when that best friend is older, it takes the tension and chemistry to a whole new level. Jamie and Marc were delicious. My only complaint is that this book was too short. I needed more of Marc and Jamie.
“What about you?” “I deserve you least of all. But I want you the most. And I won’t give up. The lengths I’m willing to go to . . . One day, I’ll show you.”
“I find it interesting that any time a girl is unusual, or dare I say, unique, she’s deemed evil, or cursed.”
Anathema marked my first adventure into d
“I find it interesting that any time a girl is unusual, or dare I say, unique, she’s deemed evil, or cursed.”
Anathema marked my first adventure into dark gothic fantasy, and I absolutely loved it. The dark, intense, mysterious, haunting atmosphere was so vividly crafted, and Keri’s descriptions were incredible, though a bit repetitive at times. The world-building had so much depth, and Keri’s writing is beautifully haunting and whimsically poetic. Keri uses a lot of complex vocabulary, which is not usually my preference in fantasy, but I actually loved it because it added a rich, textured, and poetic quality to the story.
“Some women are fire in your veins and hell between your teeth.”
This book has one of the most unique world-building and lore I’ve encountered in dark gothic fantasy. The mysterious, haunting atmosphere was executed so well, and Keri’s explanations were woven beautifully into the story. The way she foreshadowed and built up the intertwined mysteries of Zavender and Maveth was brilliant. The entire world was hauntingly beautiful, and while some parts were disturbing, I loved how Keri blended elements of horror with dark fantasy to enrich the narrative.
Zavender Rydainn, the Scorpion of Nyxteros, is dangerous, lethal, and a formidable hunter in their world, with fire in his veins that can destroy anything. His broken past immediately reminded me of Rhysand from ACOTAR, the grumpy, cold-hearted, and ruthless type of man I always love. His uncontrollable urges when he was with Mayveth were so compelling, and how he tried to despise her yet still saved her every time she needed him. The push and pull, the undeniable attraction, the reluctant yet inevitable way he kept helping her despite wanting to hate her, pure perfection. Zavender’s past and complexities made him one of the most intriguing characters, and I desperately want to know more about how he became this ruthless hunter. I really hope the author does justice to his backstory in the next books.
“You are mine, moon witch. For all eternity and whatever lies beyond it. No soul has ever been more intricately woven into mine than yours.”
Mayveth was an interesting character. She was not a badass heroine from the start, but she knew when to fight for herself and her loved ones. Her curiosity about everything made her stand out, yet she also held herself back because of how people in her world treated her like a curse. What I loved most was how she fully embraced herself in Zavender’s world, how she trained, learned, and discovered more about her powers. Her bond with Rykaia was absolutely beautiful. Their friendship was special, two strong women leaning on each other in hard times, supporting one another in ways no one else could. I adored every moment of their connection and how genuine their relationship felt.
“I’d learned at too early an age that the sound of a girl’s scream drew nothing more than apathy.”
Mayveth and Zavender’s love story was complex yet utterly impressive. The slow-burn romance was so well done, and I loved how Keri carefully unraveled the intimacy between them. They are perfect for each other, yet their intertwined past made it almost impossible for them to be together. The push and pull was hilarious and agonizing, and watching them push each other away while secretly yearning for one another was so satisfying yet so painful at the same time. Their training lessons were my absolute favorite, the tension, the lingering touches, the unspoken emotions between them in those scenes were everything. They are slowly trying to understand each other, and I cannot wait to see them fully realize their true feelings in the next books.
“I want to show you the way you make me feel.” Keeping his eyes on me, he turned just enough to kiss my palm. “A man should not long for madness with such enthusiasm as I feel right now.”
The last few chapters were packed with action, which I enjoyed, but something about the third part of the book felt a bit off, maybe the pacing or certain plot developments that didn’t land as strongly as the rest of the book. And that cliffhanger at the end was absolutely illegal. I need book two right now! And knowing this is going to be a trilogy just makes me so happy because I want more of this dark, gothic world Keri has created.
~~~~~~~
that cliffhanger was absolutely illegal!! Rtc...
buddy reading this beauty with bestie giuls ...more
“I love you, Mr. Volkov.” “I love you, Mrs. Volkov.”
Rina Kent proved she can be a mastermind when she wants to be. I’ve read many dark romances, but n
“I love you, Mr. Volkov.” “I love you, Mrs. Volkov.”
Rina Kent proved she can be a mastermind when she wants to be. I’ve read many dark romances, but nothing quite like the Deception Trilogy. It’s a brilliantly structured, well-developed, and mind-blowing mafia story. Rina definitely put all her brain cells to work while writing these books. All the missing pieces finally clicked into place, and everything that had been confusing or fragmented in the earlier books suddenly made perfect sense. There isn’t a single plot hole, and Rina intricately wrapped up this trilogy with such precision—it’s amazing and applaudable. This book has become my favorite in Adrian and Lia’s story. They finally proved their love, honesty, and trust to one another, and it was incredibly moving and beautiful to witness their growth, both as a couple and as individuals. It was a beautiful culmination of their journey.
Lia Volkov is the best female character in the Rina Kent Universe. After going through the worst years of her life, and confronting the reality of Winter and her past, Lia began exploring her new self in a new light. She finally realized how much Adrian means to her, accepted her feelings, and even started her mental healing journey. I loved Lia's newfound strength and bravery, and how she slowly integrated herself into Adrian's criminal world—the one she had hated in the past—while making a respectable place for herself. She proved that her strength, resilience, and independence could thrive even under Adrian’s protection.
“She’s always felt like home, the one I think about going back to whenever I’m away from it.”
Adrian Volkov—I will defend him for the rest of my life. I loved him in previous books, but this one cemented my love for him. He’s still unhinged and dangerous, but he finally redeemed himself, showing his vulnerability and complexity bit by bit. His past completely broke my heart—the horrors and pain he endured, and how he had to numb himself to any emotions just to survive. It all shaped him into the man he is now, and finally understanding that makes everything about him fall into place. I love how he loves Lia, like he genuinely cannot live without her and would do anything to keep her and Jeremy safe. Daddy Adrian was hitting so hard here, and I was swooning every time he was with Jeremy. He’s still not a gentleman, but he’s making efforts in his own way, showing feelings and proving his love to Lia. I mean, the man was ready to die for her—what more could I want for his redemption?
“She’ll always be my lone rose—the resilient rose that I’d pluck from the side of the road over and over again, even if her thorns caused me to bleed. She’s my rose.”
Adrian and Lia are my new obsession. Their story is unforgettable and epic. They are so toxic for each other, but also so right together. Their relationship might not have started in the normal way, and they are nowhere near perfect humans, but it’s their story—as imperfect and toxic as it is—and their love for each other and their family is stronger than anything. Adrian’s roughness and darkness match Lia’s softness and elegance, and they are perfectly compatible as a couple and as soulmates. After the tragic events in the previous two books, they began rebuilding their relationship on a foundation of trust, friendship, and love. It was difficult, given their lost faith in each other, but they both gave their all to prove how much their marriage and family mean to them. Their family moments with Jeremy were everything, and they healed my broken heart. Adrian and Lia started with blood and death, but now their love is beautiful, passionate, and forever. They are such a beautiful and perfect family, and seeing baby Annika was a sweet bonus.
“I’ll try to be better. Though I’ll probably never be a hero.” “Who says I want a hero? I’m perfectly happy with you, my villain.”
“I do love you, Lia. I always have. But my form of love isn’t sweetness or softness. It’s nothing noble or delicate. My love is selfish and villainous. My love is the type where I will kill people to protect you and erase others to avenge you. My love is possessive, obsessive, and knows no boundaries, not when I first met you and certainly not now.”
I love everything about these characters and cannot wait to meet them again in the next books of the Rina Kent Universe.
————— I NEED ADRIAN VOLKOV TO WIFE ME UP! rtc ————— pls pls pls no more tears ...more
“I wish I’d never met you.” My lips brush against her forehead. “I’ll meet you over and over again if I have to.”
Giving a Rina Kent book five stars is
“I wish I’d never met you.” My lips brush against her forehead. “I’ll meet you over and over again if I have to.”
Giving a Rina Kent book five stars is definitely a canon event in my life. I never thought I’d see this day because I have a “hate but sometimes like” relationship with her books, but I always knew the Deception trilogy and Adrian and Lia would be an exception. I am addicted to their story.
Adrian forcing a homeless woman, Winter—who is the doppelganger of Lia, his missing or dead wife—to become his fake wife? Rina really outdid herself this time. The plotline is intriguing and unputdownable, captivating me from the very first chapter. A lot was happening, yet not much really happened in this book. The way Rina intricately weaved and twisted plotlines into one mind-blowing, addictive, and haunting story fascinated me. Adrian and Lia's story is intense, dark, and unhinged in all the best ways. The thrill and anticipation of discovering the truth about Lia, Adrian, and Winter’s tangled and messy lives kept me on edge. I couldn’t get enough of their mind-bending story.
Winter is a homeless woman and Lia’s doppelganger, turned fake wife of Adrian Volkov. She never expected to find herself in such a messed-up situation. She’s forced to become Lia, erasing every trace of Winter from her existence because Adrian is obsessed with Lia and would go to any lengths to bring her out of Winter. I felt bad for her, being dragged into all this, but I also need to know the full truth about her identity and connection to Lia.
“Is there anything crueler than erasing one’s identity? Than wiping away the essence of their being as if it never existed?”
Adrian Volkov is a mafia man through and through. He’s darkly charming, self-assured, and exudes raw power and authority. Yet there’s something different about him from other men written by Rina. He’s both dangerous and fascinating, and I couldn’t help but like him. I was obsessed with his obsession with Lia. He’ll do anything for her—one moment he’s going all alpha, and the next he’s caring for her in a sweet and thoughtful way. He’s confusing, but this man is something else, and I’m already falling for him.
“She’s the addiction I didn’t see coming, and when I finally noticed her, she was already streaming in my blood.”
Winter and Adrian? Adrian and Lia? There’s only lust and obsession between Winter and Adrian in this book. But there’s also something deeper simmering beneath the lust, twisted lies, and Winter’s hatred toward Adrian, along with his dark obsession with Lia, his wife. They have history, a messed-up one at that, and it’s impossible to fully understand their relationship from the bits and pieces in this book. I loved how caring Adrian is and how he’d destroy the world for his wife. I’m intrigued by how Winter is falling for him despite hating his depraved behavior. They are twistedly compatible. I can’t wait to read about their history and how it all began, and to reach the moment everything went to hell.
“What do I smell like?” “Like roses and fucking addictions.” “How do you know what addictions smell like?” “I didn’t. Until you.” “Me?” she drawls the word. “Yes, you.”
I absolutely adore Jeremy and his bond with Winter. It’s wholesome and heartbreaking at the same time. Adrian as a father is something else, and yes, he’s going on my “daddies I'd love to smash” list—because why not?
“Do you want me to be all alone, Malysh?” “No.” “Then you have to give me your mother during the night.” “Do you need Mommy too, Papa?” Adrian pauses before he says calmly, assertively, “I do.”
I don’t know where the plot is going; everything is so confusing so far. I have so many theories and questions, but no answers have been given yet. The shocking, jaw-dropping reveal and plot twist at the end left me shook. It’s rare for a book to truly catch me off-guard with plot twists, but Rina managed it twice. She slowly reveals little pieces, always holding her trump cards close. I thought I had everything figured out, but I was so wrong. The cliffhanger at the end left me on edge, so I’m running to read the next books. This trilogy has taken over my life, and I’m fully here for the madness.
———————
i just know Adrian and Lia are going to be my favourite Rina Kent couple ...more
Once there was a you and me We were lovers We were friends Before life changed Before we were strangers Do you still think of me?
I always had a thing for v
Once there was a you and me We were lovers We were friends Before life changed Before we were strangers Do you still think of me?
I always had a thing for vintage and ancient things especially the love stories of 90s. Before We Were Strangers teleported me right in the New York in 90s and made me live that era through Grace and Matt's perspective. It was beautiful, nostalgic, raw and emotional. Renee's writing is exquisitely beautiful and her narrative has a poetical quality that kept me hooked and in present with Grace and Matt's story. I loved the love story of two artists living, learning, exploring New York and falling in love in with the city together and with each other.
The story was realistic and raw but it was also sweet and steamy. I loved every second of it and really wished I were born in that era where humans simply just existed and enjoyed each other's company and loved the very essence of human existence and beauty of art and nature. Reading about New York in 90s was like experiencing a city that existed once in a past but can be revisited through someone's love and memories of that time.
“That’s why my mother always said we memorialize our past. Everything seems better in a memory.”
Garce was a Cellist and a girl who was in love with music. She loves it enough to do anything for her passion and she is really hardworking and selfless. I loved her funny and clumsy personality and how she sees the world and beauty in everything. Matt was a sweetheart. He was a photography student. I loved him more in 90s because he was this adorable and charming guy who fell in love first and harder. He was so patient with Grace and paid attention to every small detail about her and it was good to see that Grace had someone who loved her for who she was.
“You’re my first muse, Grace.”
“You were always with me, Grace. I never found a way to let you go.”
Grace and Matt's love is timeless. Their story is a first love and second chance story. It is told in two different timelines — in 90s when they shared college dorm in New York as seniors and were 21 years old and after 15 years of their college graduation. The way they fell in love with each other was so mesmerisingly beautiful. I couldn't get enough of them learning about each other and exploring their newfound frienship and blooming love between them. They liked each other as humans before they fell in love and that's what I loved about them. It was the real representation of what first and young love feels like, why it's scary but also exciting and delightful because they found their own favourite person.
“You can’t re-create the first time you promise to love someone or the first time you feel loved by another. You cannot relive the sensation of fear, admiration, self-consciousness, passion, and desire all mixed into one because it never happens twice. You chase it like the first high for the rest of your life.”
Their first meet after 15 years left them with this yearning to find to find each other and find out what happened to them. I wasn't expected to be torn apart by their present but I was, because of all the what ifs scenarios that kept coming. It was heartbreaking to see them realise how much time they lost because of some selfish people in their life. Matt and Grace fell in love together and found the meaning of it in New York in 90s but they had individual character growth for years and seeing them grow together as humans, lovers and parent after 15 years was refreshing. I also loved Ash and Matt together and how they bonded together as dad and daughter. Ash was chill and funny and that little surprise she planned for her parents in the end was so thoughtful and romantic.
“Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.”
Reading about Grace and Matt's fast friendship and love story made me realise that love exists in various forms and that even if you find the right person, it all depends on the right time. That sometimes ambitions and dreams and love clash together and only one of them wins but life always has a way of surprising people. That losing something or someone meaningful to you in the past will come back to you one way or another and you will have it again in your life and it will be much better second time around. That true friendships and missed connections and love oportunities don't just vanish if love and trust was the foundation of it, and Renee expertly and masterfully captured it all in this evocative story....more
“Never ever make any deals with a Devil. Not unless you wanted to lose your soul.”
A gothic mansion of wild fantasies and haunting illusions, 4.5 stars
“Never ever make any deals with a Devil. Not unless you wanted to lose your soul.”
A gothic mansion of wild fantasies and haunting illusions, a deadly game, a necromancer and a hot and forbidden ghost—one rule: don’t fall in love in Phantasma.
This book is deliciously and eerily captivating. The plot is intriguing, and Kaylie's lush description of an eerie and gothic atmosphere created the enchanting, hypnotizing, and adventurous experience in Phantasma. Kaylie's narrative beautifully and intricately blended the fantasy elements and romance together, while dynamics between Ophelia and Blackwell unfolds with careful complexity. The grueling levels of Phantasma were unique, and I had a terrific time reading every level.
“Soft hearts don’t survive here.” “What kinds of hearts do?” He leaned down until their eyes were level. “Hearts with teeth.”
Ophelia, the eldest Grimm daughter, is bound to her legacy as the necromancer of New Orleans and Grimm Mansion—a destiny she’s known her whole life. But she’s haunted by shadows in her mind, fearful of failing this one task and disappointing the Grimm legacy. I love how the author explored OCD, subtly weaved it into Ophelia’s character to build a fierce, strong yet a soft-hearted female lead with realistic traits. Through her journey in Phantasma, and with Blackwell’s help, Ophelia discovers pieces of herself. She finds strength, bravery, and self-assuredness, and I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the book.
“I may never be rid of my inner demons, but for this single sliver of time, whenever we were together, you made them quiet. I was able to hear myself for once.”
Blackwell, the sexy and mysterious ghost aka the phantom. With gaps in his memory and a penchant for insidious bargains, Blackwell is charming, funny, and cocky in the best way. I was captivated by him instantly; there’s something undeniably attractive about his character that’s impossible to resist. From his words to his actions, everything about him had me swooning. His enigmatic past and centuries-long entrapment in Phantasma made him even more intriguing. I loved his devotion to Ophelia, especially in how he helped her recognize her own strength and self-worth. He is a green flag through and through.
“In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light,” he lamented as she began to come undone. “My soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind.”
Blackwell and Ophelia are a perfect match. While their connection begins with insta-lust, I loved how their feelings deepened as they spent more time together. Their witty banter and forced proximity heightened the palpable tension, magnifying the electric chemistry between a necromancer and a phantom. Their dynamics were captivating, especially in how they were eager to help one another. Blackwell guiding Ophelia in discovering her new abilities, while she did everything in her power to free him from Devil's Manor. Their relationship encompasses not only physical attraction but also a profound emotional and soulful connection.
She buried her face into the crook of his throat. “You came.” “You called,” he answered.
“I will carry the memories of this time with you forevermore. The matter of my soul will always have your name etched into it.”
The ending was perfectly crafted. However, I wished for more of Ophelia and Blackwell in the epilogue. I was able to predict most of the plot twists, but they were still great, even with their predictability. I'm excited for Genevieve's story and relieved that she did not tried to pull Donatella in the end.
If you enjoyed Caraval and are in the mood for some gothic, haunted vibes this spooky season, Phantasma is the perfect read!
“With my name on her back and my son in her arms, Miller stands in the center of the field, looking like mine.”
I am finding my happy and com4.75 stars
“With my name on her back and my son in her arms, Miller stands in the center of the field, looking like mine.”
I am finding my happy and comfort place in this series. Each new book in this series brings so much warmth, joy and contentment in my life. It's like being wrapped up in your favourite worn out cozy blanket on chilly autumn days and it's the best feeling ever.
Liz Tomforde and men written by her have a special place in my heart. She truly writes the best contemporary romances filled with swoon-worthy moments, wholesome and emotional found family moments, a hopeful and beautiful romantic story giving us all the soulmatism vibes. She is the queen of writing green flags and I am mesmerised by her ability to create characters like Ryan Shay and Kai Rhodes, who are the definition of gentlemen. This series is one of the healthy ones I have ever read.
“You think you can keep this casual, Mills?” I nod frantically, hoping to convince both of us. His laugh is silent but rumbles against me. “Best of luck to you with that.”
Liz portrayed unexpected responsibilities in life and how sometimes some people completely change the axis of your whole life, in this case it was Max and how him coming in Kai's life was the biggest yet the best thing to ever happen in such a realistic manner. To see their father-son relationship and how they have support, love and care from everyone around them was everything. I love it when kids in books are an essential part of the story and Max is one of most important part of Miller and Kai's story. He is the one who brought them together and deepened their emotional bonding. Their mundane and special family moments together were everything, especially, those baking lessons. I have a serious baby fever because of this book now because Max is the cutest and funniest kid ever.
“This wild woman is my son’s calm. And in a lot of ways, I think I might be hers.”
➸ Miller Montgomery is struggling in her career due to the burnout so she decided to become a nanny for Kai's son, Max, and to stay close with her dad. I love Miller's character so much. She is a badass woman, the life of the party, has witty banter skills and a reckless and wild side that just made me love her even more. But mostly she is compassionate for the people she loves and she'd do anything to protect them. And the way she fell in love with Max and Kai at the time? It was everything. I love her relationship with Max and it was sweet to see her develop this motherly bond with Kai's son when all she ever wanted was an unattached life but little did she know that she was about to be caught up by two boys who'll become her whole world.
“I have a new dream now. You and Max are my dream.”
➸ Kai Rhodes is my dream man. Single dads are my kryptonite and Kai is the definition of a dad and a gentleman. The man who loves with every fiber of his being. The way he is raising his son is commendable, and though he has his self-doubts and fears, he always tries his best for Max. Kai never felt enough since he became a dad, he was always the one who helped others and it was hard for him to ask for help from others and to see him get help from Miller without asking her because she's just amazing like that just made my heart swell. I liked how he came out of his 'I am just a dad' zone and remembered who he is as a person with Miller's help. The confident and self-assured man with a thoughtful and kind personality. And the things he did for Miller? How he was always so supportive of her career and how he helped her with her recipes. I couldn't help but love him in this book.
“If she’d let me have her, she’d be mine. I love the girl, and I try to show her through my actions, but if she ever gave me the green light, I’d tell her too.”
: ̗̀➛ Kai and Miller
Kai and Miller are soulmates for sure. Two people crossing paths for a two short months and discovering the meaning of love and family together. Kai who always felt alone in his responsibilities and Miller who is always striving for next goal in her life but never felt enough but they reminded each other how important and loved they are with flaws and all. They found something special and their own together and it was amazing to see them explore their growing love and grow together as a family. How Miller helped Kai feel more than just a dad and how Kai made sure Miller realised that she is loved and cherished and that her worth is not derived just from her career and goals. Also, the angst and impending decisions related to Miller's career only heightened the tension and connection between them. I love seeing them fall for each other but mostly I loved how Miller fell in love with Max and treated him as his own child all the time. I loved how they both showed and accepted each other's vulnerable facets of life and helped each other in figuring out their lives.
“Miller,” he says, making sure my attention is on him. “If you ever decide to stop running and make a home . . . Make it with me.”
Their romance is a balance of wholesome, spicy, vulnerable and emotional moments. It was exceptional and beautifully crafted with one of my favourite tropes of all time, single dad. The found family arc that is weaved in the core of this story giving it a very nostalgic and home like feeling. The slow-burn is exquisitely builded-up with the tangible and effervescent sexual tension and growing emotional intimacy and vulnerability between the main characters. To simply say, it was pure perfection.
“You’re my favorite person, Miller, and for once I had someone for me. I had someone taking care of me. After being alone for so long, I finally had someone looking out for me.”
This review won't be complete without me writing about Monty because this man is perfect! I need Liz to write his book because he deserves his own love story. He is the inspiration for all the dads in the world because he raised his girlfriend's daughter all by himself and even though he made many sacrifices he never stopped working hard for her and raised Miller with so much love and care. It takes love and efforts to be a dad.
“She’s not my blood, but she’s my girl,” Monty says from beside me. “And she looks at your boy, who is not her blood, in the same way I look at her.”
Their love confession is one of my favourite chapter because it was so beautifully written. The epilogue was perfect. Liz writes one of the best epilogues ever. I am so excited for Isaiah's book though I was not his biggest fan in this book. But accidental marriage in Vegas is a delicious trope and in Liz Tomforde we believe. She can do wrong in my eyes.
——————— Updating my rating bcs i cannot stop thinking about Malakai Rhodes and this damn book ...more
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece. It's a story that needs to be read atleast once in your lifetime, a story of hope and oppresssion, a story of familial bonds, mother-daughter relationship, friendships, survival and hope. A story of women's opression, their rage and sufferings and hopelessness in the midst of war that will leave you with so much compassion and empathy for Afghan women. I can not forget this riveting and compelling story that evoked countless emotions inside me, from feeling Afghan people's pain to hoping for them to get the life and freedom they deserved, from grieving with them to enraging on their behalf for what they all had been put through for decades, from feeling a sparkle of hope for their survival, new life to see that hope ripped out of their hearts in pieces.
“Tell her she is the noor of my eyes and the sultan of my heart.”
The story is depressing and heartbreaking but above everything it tells countless stories of different people who fought unabashedly against their oppressors, the display of human spirit and resilience, the indefatigable strength of Afghan woman depicted through Laila and Mariam's story, surviving, praying, grieving and fighting but also hoping for a better future. I have never read such a thought provoking story about women and what it truly means to be a woman in this world.
➸ Mariam's tragic story broke me in the worst possible ways. A little girl who just wanted to be loved and cherished, a young woman who just wanted a loving family and husband, a woman who has been betrayed by everyone in her life and left to suffocate in the world never deserving of her love, kindness and compassion. I love her with my entire heart. What truly inspired me was that no matter how many betrayals she'd lived, brutality she had suffered, she never stopped being a selfless and kind woman. She never lost herself to the tragedy of her life that only brought her pain. She was always resilient and humble and took Laila and her daughter in her care and loved them as her own and though she never had a family she could call her own I was happy that she experienced what it is meant to be loved by the family she choose to love.
“Though there had been moments of beauty in it, Mariam knew that life for the most part had been unkind to her.”
➸ Laila is my precious girl. Her character is genuine and altruistic in so many ways. She was passionate about her life until the war broke her soul. She has dealt with grief on every stage of her life and it broke my heart to see her went through so much as just a child. She is such a brave and kind soul and the way she loves people is truly amazing. She never lost her courage and strength and she was always the resilient one in her household, never backing down and always standing up. I admire her so much for all the things she did in this book. Laila is the definition of that woman don't need physical strength to fight for their lives and she is the inspiration for so many women out there.
“Mammy’s heart was like a pallid beach where Laila’s footprints would forever wash away beneath the waves of sorrow that swelled and crashed, swelled and crashed.”
➸ Tariq was a genuine and thoughtful man. The way he was with Laila and her children healed my heart after that tragic ending.
“Me?” he says. “I’ll follow you to the end of the world, Laila.”
: ̗̀➛ Mariam and Laila's bond is the purest and most beautiful thing in this book. They formed an unexpected friendship, a mother-daughter relationship after being exposed to the brutality of Taliban and their husband. Their love and hope kept them alive and going for years and they did everything in their power to keep the other person safe. They fought and sacrificed for each other and I was so happy for them to found each other in times like that.
“For me, it ends here. There’s nothing more I want. Everything I’d ever wished for as a little girl you’ve already given me.”
: ̗̀➛ Laila and Tariq's love story was tragic but a beautiful and mesmerising one indeed. Their love is so beautiful and selfless. I cherish every moment they had together as friends, adults and then lovers. They gave me all the happiness that this book couldn't and their ending healed everything inside me.
“You know.” “Know what?” “That I only have eyes for you.”
I have always loved Khaled Hosseini's writing. It's exquistie, metaphorically beautiful and very atmospherically vivid and raw. The way he teleports me right into the world of his book by his descriptive details of the neighbourhood in Afghanistan. The way he portrayed every minuscule emotions in his characters and wrote their realistic and riveting personality. I am mesmerised. His words were like a dagger to my heart, I was engrossed with the story and had this dooming feeling all the time in my heart that maybe something really bad is about to happen. There were some moments of beauty, happiness and nostalgia and I cherish each and every one of those moments in my heart. What really kept me going was Mariam and Laila's hopeful dreams of a future where they are free of all the brutality and cruelties of their world. Where they are happy and in love with their life and dreams. Where they don't have to spend every minute of their day praying for not be the next woman to be raped and killed by Taliban. It was reassuring and comforting.
I will never forget this book. Maybe one day I'll read it again to understand it better or maybe not because I am not that much of a masochist. But if you ask me which book I recommend to every reader in this world? It's definitely ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’.
“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”
So someone flagged my review of this book for plagiarism and gr removed the review as well as the book from 'read' shelf, when in reality i had spent So someone flagged my review of this book for plagiarism and gr removed the review as well as the book from 'read' shelf, when in reality i had spent an hour writing my own review? And it does nothing when it comes to people plagiarising my reviews?...more